Solutions to the problem of evil and suffering

• Biblical responses

  ● The Book of Job explains how God allowed Satan to punish sinless

  Job to prove to Satan that Job loved God. Job protested to God, but

  when he came face to face with God, he realised that God is so great

  that humans have no right to challenge him. Nevertheless, God has a

  reason for suffering; it is just too complex for humans to understand.

  ● The Book of Psalms explains that suffering is simply a part of life, but

  so is joy, and the two go side by side. However, Psalms also claims that

  suffering can bring believers to a deeper understanding of God.
• Free will response


  God created humans in his image, giving them the freedom to do good or evil. This freedom means that God cannot interfere if humans choose evil, and the suffering which results is the fault of humans, not God.
• Vale of soul making response

  The evil and suffering involved in this life isn't a problem because this life is a preparation for paradise. If people are to improve their souls they need to face evil and suffering in order to become good, kind and loving. God cannot remove evil and suffering if he is going to give people the chance to become good. But, in the end, he will show his omni-benevolence and omnipotence by rewarding the good in heaven.
• Good out of evil response


  Suffering may have the purpose of bringing good out of people as they respond to suffering by determining to improve things and ensure that suffering is reduced or even removed.
• Practical responses

  The main Christian response to evil and suffering is to follow Jesus’

  example and react in practical ways:

  ● Christians pray for those who are suffering, asking for God’s help

  through intercessory prayers.

  ● Christians give practical help to those who suffer. Many Christians

  become doctors, nurses and social workers, for example, so that they

  can help to reduce the amount of suffering in the world. There are

  many Christian charities that exist only to help to relieve suffering and

  remove evil from the world.
• Psalm 119 says that being afflicted by suffering leads to greater

  understanding of God.

  Job chapter 42 says God is so wonderful that his actions cannot be

  questioned.